Ireland grind past Gibraltar, Kevin McStay in defence of the qualifiers

The Republic of Ireland rounded off the international break and a long season with a victory, as they beat Gibraltar 2-0 at the Aviva Stadium last night. On a sun-kissed evening in Dublin Mick McCarthy's men were full of industry - but distinctly lacking in cutting edge - as they were made to work hard by the visiting minnows. Ireland took the lead in the 29th minute after David McGoldrick's shot deflected off Joseph Chipolina and into the Gibraltan net, before Robbie Brady added a bit of gloss to the scoreline with a 93rd-minute header. However, despite their unconvincing display Ireland sit top of their Euro 2020 qualification Group D on 10 points, following last Friday's 1-1 draw away to Denmark. Afterwards, McCarthy said it was all about the result: "I'd love to have turned everybody on with some sexy football but, ultimately, we have won the game."

In his column this morning Kevin McStay has launched a defence of the All-Ireland qualifiers, which he believes are "an imperfect system" but one which "remains lightyears ahead of the alternative." And he is critical of the old Championship format - one which could see dreams dashed and an entire summer brought to a premature end by a solitary defeat. He writes: "People are nostalgic for the gripping all-on-the-day thrill of the old knockout. And it had that, for sure. But it was a cruel system and such a waste really. You put six months into preparing for one game, and then after the first round half the counties in Ireland are out. It was a cull: a savage conclusion to the championship. All the confidence that might flow from a run just evaporates." This follows yesterday's draw for round two of the qualifiers, with Monaghan against Armagh and Mayo versus Down the pick of the ties.

Elsewhere this morning Ruaidhrí Croke continues to fight the good fight for sport fans and consumers as he looks into the rise of online tipping services who are making a profit off the misfortune of punters. He has also picked out five green fees for less than €35 around the Dublin area, as well as providing a comprehensive guide on how to attend July's historic Test match between England and Ireland at Lord's.

The US Open gets underway on Thursday, with Rory McIlroy favourite to win the year's third Major after his stunning romp in last weekend's Canadian Open. And Philip Reid has suggested momentum is key for McIlroy, who is difficult to stop when his tail is up: "With the US Open at Pebble Beach next on the agenda - where he is one of three Irish players in the field, along with Shane Lowry and Graeme McDowell - history tells us that he tends to continue playing well whenever he hits the winning trail."